Arts, culture and religious heritage in Kosciusko County were discussed at the recent session of the Kosciusko Leadership Academy at Westminster in Winona Lake. Allyn Decker, moderator, stated, “Winona Lake was the place to be at one time.” People came from miles around to hear speakers, musicians and evangelists, including Billy Sunday. Another famous visitor, turned resident, was Homer Rodeheaver. Rodeheaver was the first person to sell more than 1 million copies of a recording. This song was Rodeheaver’s rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross." Billy Sunday and Rodeheaver toured together and led an estimated 70 million people in worship and song. Kathy Allison, Grace College faculty, spoke about the Chautauqua movement in New York. Winona Lake was chosen as a sight for establishing a little Chautauqua. Summer cottages soon dotted the landscape. Many famous people visited Winona Lake. Allison led the class on a tour of the William Reneker museum. Project Proud will be April 16 beginning at 7:15 a.m. in the meeting room of the Warsaw Community Public Library. The KLA class members will showcase their white paper projects. These presentations are open to the public. KLA is a not-for-profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.
